Madison, WI – Women’s health supporters, advocates for victims‘ rights, law enforcement officials, and health care providers are eagerly awaiting an Assembly floor vote next week on the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Bill (SB 129/AB 377).

The bill as originally written would ensure that all Wisconsin emergency rooms provide rape victims with information about and access to emergency contraception, giving them the chance to prevent pregnancy after an assault.   

“We are thrilled that the Assembly leadership, with strong bipartisan support led by Rep. Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), has promised to hold a vote on Compassionate Care during next week’s floor session,” said Kelda Helen Roys, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, the political leader of the reproductive rights movement.  

“Right now, thousands of Wisconsin women receive substandard care in Wisconsin emergency rooms after being raped – only a third of hospitals routinely provide rape victims with counseling and access to emergency contraception  – even though it is part of the American Medical Association’s standard of care,” continued Roys.  “With the passage of this bill, unamended, we look forward to every sexual assault survivor receiving the medical care she needs and deserves.”

In May, the State Senate overwhelmingly passed the original form of the bill on a bipartisan vote of 27 to 6. According to several recent polls, over eighty percent of Wisconsin voters support the legislation.  

Along with its partners in the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Coalition, NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin has worked tirelessly to improve access to emergency birth control for sexual assault survivors.

Emergency contraception is a high dose of ordinary birth control pills that is highly effective at preventing pregnancy.  For maximum effectiveness, it should be taken as soon as possible after sexual contact, but can help prevent pregnancy up to 120 hours after intercourse.  If a woman is already pregnant, EC will not work; it cannot affect a pregnancy.  For more information, please visit our website: http://www.prochoicewisconsin.org/s04politicalupdates/legupdates.shtml#1